Posted 2005-06-08 11:45 AM (#26224) Subject: F350 vs F450 tow rating question
Member
Posts: 7
Location: sparks, nevada
Hi,
We are considering upgrading from an F250 powerstroke to either a 350 or 450 dually. I don't trust what the salesman say and can't seem to find much that I can interpret on the internet about the tow ratings on these. Does anyone know the difference between the two, and does anyone know if for the 2006 models there will be any changes for the better or worse?
Just purchased a 13' SW 3H LQ. We put it on the scales almost empty and total truck and trailer were 18K with my 250.
I want to get the right tow vehicle and am looking for suggestions.
Posted 2005-06-08 8:50 PM (#26249 - in reply to #26224) Subject: RE: F350 vs F450 tow rating question
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1160 Location: Denver Colorado
Ford dramaticly changed it's tow and payload ratings in 2005. And big change with the front coil spring suspension still with a mono-beam Dana axle. The F250/350 turns 5 ft shorter than the 04, but the F450/550 with wider axles turns 12' shorter than 04. WIth the same wheel base comparing GM's C4500/5500, the Ford F450/550 with less wheel cut can turn shorter. The F450 and 550 are basicly the same truck like the F250 and single rear wheel F350. But the F450 has a 4.30 axle ratio with a higher road speed than the F550 with 4.88 and 5.30 So if you travel at 70 mph or higher, the F450 will vibrate less and run the engine slower. I'll be reviewing the C4500 with a Monroe bed next month. My article on the new 2005 Super Duty is on the home page here near the bottom in MrTruck section.
Posted 2005-06-08 11:06 PM (#26252 - in reply to #26224) Subject: RE: F350 vs F450 tow rating question
Member
Posts: 7
Location: sparks, nevada
Hi, thanks for the replies, those were really helpful. After reading the review on the 2005 F350 dually, it sounds like this would work for me. I don't want to make a mistake, though, so do you have an opinion if I should do the 450. This will be my daily driver, so I really don't want to do the 550.
Posted 2005-06-09 2:22 PM (#26277 - in reply to #26252) Subject: RE: F350 vs F450 tow rating question
Regular
Posts: 76 Location: Cowboy Cradle of the Southwest
Dbonnet,
I have a 04 F450. I absolutely love it except for one minor thing. The suspension is so stiff that when it is not loaded it makes for a very uncomfortable ride (read buckboard on railroad tracks). If you are going to use it for your daily driver I would suggest you take one on a very long test drive before you buy. The 05 F350 and the 04 F450 have a very similar tow rating.
Posted 2005-06-09 2:54 PM (#26281 - in reply to #26224) Subject: RE: F350 vs F450 tow rating question
Member
Posts: 7
Location: sparks, nevada
Thanks for that info!!
I think the 350 with the tow boss package does make it compatible with the 450, so I may go with that. Do you know if there are going to be any changes in 2006, that would make it worth it to wait for 2006?
Posted 2005-06-10 12:28 PM (#26333 - in reply to #26224) Subject: RE: F350 vs F450 tow rating question
Regular
Posts: 76 Location: Cowboy Cradle of the Southwest
I have read several discussions on this on the Ford Truck Enthusiasts web page. I'm just going off memory but I think that the majority of the people were saying to wait until 2006. BTW there is a lot of great info on that site.
F350 vs F450 tow rating question
